Energizing Rural India

Even today 65 per cent of India resides and works in villages. Hence it is of primary importance that rural economy and infrastructure be revived and upgraded, which will not only stop immigration to urban ghettos but also infuse new energy in the economy. Some of the suggestions are listed below.

Quality Life in villages

• Panchayats to be recognised as third tier of government and be given necessary administrative and fiscal powers. 
• Remove interference of district bureaucracy in functioning of Panchayats. 
• C&AG audit of Panchayat funds. 
• Every village of 2000 households or a cluster of same to have 
o At least one Nursery, one 10 + 2 School, one Arts and Science College and one ITI. These to be managed by local Panchayat with central and state fiscal grants. 
o One Primary Health Center with at least one Male and one female doctor with Para-medic staff and Ambulance. 
o One veterinary doctor with one assistant. 
o Village to buy electricity from Electricity Distribution Companies and be responsible for sale to consumer. Same model to apply to water supply. 
o Watch and ward functions of the police by under Panchayat. 
o Regular Bus service to the nearest town. 
o Community Center with an open air auditorium, one meeting hall, One Library with plinth area of at least 5000 square feet and e-kiosk open 24x7. 
o One stadium with facilities of 400 meter athletic track and separate hockey and football grounds. 
o To achieve economy and integration, the school, ITI, College, Community Center and Stadium can be located in one complex. 
• Upgrade traditional skills like weaving, glass-making, traditional arts and crafts and provide market access by linking these with tourist circuits. 
• Develop Rural-tourism based on home-stays to provide a quality week-end getaway to urban population at affordable cost. 
• Open small businesses like call-centers in rural areas. 

• Link rural produce like grains and milk with markets

Flourishing Agriculture

• All land records be placed on-line and be updated every six months. 
• Concept of State Pre-eminence on Ownership of Land is negated forever. Respect Land Rights of Farmer as much as the Property Rights of an Urban dweller. 
• Create national water grid by linking rivers. 
• Involve agriculture scientists in educating farmers about appropriate crop pattern based on local conditions. 
• Boost research in high yield crops. 
• Revive existing water bodies. 
• Create new water bodies through NEREGA. 
• Create collectively owned Cold Storage and Grain Silos in villages. 
• Remove Administrated Price Mechanism and give freedom to farmer to dispose-off his produce at most remunerative prices. 
• Dairy and fisheries in cooperative model be encouraged. 
• Establish supply chain from milch-animal to milk plant and farm to dining table free of middlemen. 
• Undertake research to improve quality of native breeds of cow and buffalo.